The Boston Celtics are in uncharted territory this postseason, and not in a good way. After entering their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks as heavy favorites, the defending champions now find themselves down 2-0, having blown two substantial leads in consecutive games. The latest heartbreak came on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, when the Celtics led by 20 points before succumbing to a 91-90 defeat at TD Garden.
In each of the first two games of the series, the Celtics have held a lead of at least 20 points. Yet, the underdog Knicks have shown remarkable resilience, storming back to claim victory in both encounters. In Game 2, the Celtics were ahead 73-53 with just over 14 minutes left in the game, but a stunning 23-6 run by New York sealed their fate.
Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ star forward, struggled significantly in both games, scoring just 36 points on 42 shots through the first two contests. In the fourth quarter of Game 2, he managed only 1-of-5 shooting, ultimately failing to convert a crucial final possession that could have turned the tide for Boston. Mikal Bridges of the Knicks, who had a quiet start to the game, came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points and sealing the victory with a steal from Tatum.
“Just finding ways to win,” Bridges said after the game, emphasizing the Knicks’ determination and defensive prowess. His performance, coupled with Jalen Brunson’s clutch scoring, has propelled New York into a commanding position in the series.
The Celtics’ struggles can be attributed to several factors. For one, their reliance on the three-point shot has backfired. In Game 1, they missed an NBA-record 45 three-pointers, and in Game 2, they shot just 10-of-40 from beyond the arc. Coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the need for better shot selection, especially when the team was unable to convert from long range.
Additionally, Kristaps Porziņģis, who has been dealing with illness, has not been able to provide the offensive support expected of him. After missing eight games earlier in the season due to a viral illness, he played only 14 minutes in Game 2, scoring eight points and failing to make a significant impact.
“If Porziņģis isn’t right, it’s hard to imagine them winning four of the next five games,” noted analysts, highlighting the importance of his presence in the lineup.
Defensively, the Celtics have been unable to contain Brunson, who has scored 46 points in the series, with nearly a third of those coming in clutch moments. The combination of Brunson’s scoring and Bridges’ defensive efforts has created a perfect storm for the Celtics, who have struggled to maintain their leads.
Despite their recent struggles, Celtics fans are hopeful that their team can turn things around. Historically, Boston has been resilient in playoff situations, having previously bounced back from playoff losses. However, this time feels different, as they face a Knicks team that is playing with confidence and urgency.
As the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the Celtics are aware that they need to regroup quickly. They have shown that they can build leads, but they must learn to close out games effectively. “Going home, we realize the opportunity we have. We just have to stay locked in,” Brunson stated, indicating the Knicks’ mindset heading into the next game.
The Celtics will need to address their shooting woes and find a way to stop the Knicks’ momentum. If they can regain their form, they could still make a comeback in this series. However, if they continue to falter under pressure, the defending champions might find themselves eliminated earlier than anticipated.
As the NBA playoffs progress, the drama surrounding the Celtics and Knicks will undoubtedly captivate fans. With historic comebacks and intense rivalries at play, this series is shaping up to be one for the ages.
